Snowblower deflector control devices, systems, and methods

ABSTRACT

Snowblower deflector control devices, systems, and methods are provided. In one aspect, a snowblower deflector control device can be externally disposed from a machine handle of the snowblower. The control device can include a control member and a guide plate. The control member can include a longitudinal shaft and a projection disposed along the shaft. The guide plate can be adapted to receive a portion of the control member. The guide plate can include a plurality of gates disposed at spaced intervals from a first end to a second end, and the projection of the control member can be lockable within at least one gate of the plurality of gates.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present subject matter generally relates to snowblowers and relatedmethods and, more particularly, to snowblower deflector control devices,systems, and related methods.

BACKGROUND

Snowblowers, also known as snowthrowers, are known to have uprightdischarge chutes through which a snow stream can be thrown ordischarged. It is common for the chute to have a pivotal deflector ontop of the chute for adjusting the trajectory of the thrown snow stream.In some aspects, the pivotal motion associated with the deflector can bemanually controlled by manually adjusting an integrally formed handle ofthe deflector. A user must walk around the snowblower and grab thehandle to move the deflector to a desired position. Friction between thedeflector and chute can retain the deflector in the adjusted position.In other aspects, the pivotal motion associated with the deflector canbe controlled by a joystick type control member operable via an electricmotor.

Each of these types of control mechanisms has drawbacks. For example,manually controlled systems require the user to be able to reach thehandle of the deflector. This requires the user to come around from theusual operating position behind the snowblower to one side in order tobe adjacent to the deflector and to be able to reach the handle on thedeflector. This can be both physically tiring and inconvenient,particularly where one must redirect the trajectory of the snow streamfrequently. More advanced systems which control the deflector via anelectric motor can add costs to the design and manufacture of thesnowblower and may contain a large number of components that can breakor otherwise fail.

Thus, despite the number of snowblowers having controllable deflectorson the market, a simpler, less expensive and durable control mechanismfor quickly and easily operating the deflector is needed. The improvedcontrol mechanism further includes a novel visual aspect allowing usersto actively select and choose discrete increments by which the deflectorcan be adjusted.

SUMMARY

In accordance with this disclosure, snowblower deflector controldevices, systems, and methods are provided. In one aspect, a snowblowerdeflector control device is provided. The snowblower deflector controldevice externally disposed from a machine handle of the snowblower. Thecontrol device can include a control member and a guide plate. Thecontrol member can comprise a longitudinal shaft and a projectiondisposed along the shaft. The guide plate can be adapted to receive aportion of the control member. The guide plate can comprise a pluralityof gates disposed at regularly spaced intervals from a first end to asecond end, and the projection of the control member can be lockablewithin at least one gate of the plurality of gates.

In another aspect, a pivotal snowblower deflector control system isprovided. The deflector control system can include a control member, aguide plate adapted to receive a portion of the control member, adeflector hingedly mounted on a snowblower discharge chute, and alinking member coupling a portion of the control member to a portion ofthe deflector. The guide plate can include a plurality of gates disposedat regularly spaced intervals from a first end to a second end. When thecontrol member is proximate the first end of the guide plate thedeflector can be at a first angle with respect to a horizontal axis, andwhen the control member is proximate the second end of the guide platethe deflector can be at a second angle with respect to the horizontalaxis. The first angle can be different than the second angle, such as ata greater or smaller angle with respect to the horizontal axis.

In yet another aspect, a method for controlling or pivoting a snowblowerdeflector via a snowblower deflector control system is provided. Themethod can include providing a control member and a guide plate adaptedto receive a portion of the control member. The guide plate can comprisea plurality of gates disposed at regularly spaced intervals from a firstend to a second end. The method can further include providing adeflector hingedly mounted on a discharge chute and attaching a linkingmember to a portion each of the control member and the deflector. Themethod can further include moving the control member between the firstend and the second end of the guide plate to raise and lower thedeflector.

Although some of the aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein havebeen stated hereinabove, and which are achieved in whole or in part bythe presently disclosed subject matter, other aspects will becomeevident as the description proceeds when taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings as best described hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present subject matter will be morereadily understood from the following detailed description which shouldbe read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that are givenmerely by way of explanatory and non-limiting example, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a snowblower including a deflectorcontrol device and/or system according to an embodiment of the presentlydisclosed subject matter;

FIGS. 2A to 3B are perspective views of snowblower deflectors controldevices and/or portions of snowblower deflector control systemsaccording to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of a snowblower deflector controldevice and/or portions of a snowblower deflector control systemaccording to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a snowblower deflector controldevice and/or a portion of a snowblower deflector control systemaccording to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;and

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a snowblower deflector control deviceand/or a portion of a snowblower deflector control system according toan embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present subject matter now will be described morefully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichsome embodiments of the present subject matter are shown. This presentsubject matter may, however, be embodied in many different forms andshould not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the presentsubject matter to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to likeelements throughout.

As illustrated in the various figures, some sizes of structures orportions are exaggerated relative to other structures or portions forillustrative purposes and, thus, are provided to illustrate the generalstructures of the present subject matter. Furthermore, various aspectsof the present subject matter are described with reference to astructure or a portion being formed on other structures, portions, orboth. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, references toa structure being formed “on” or “above” another structure or portioncontemplates that additional structure, portion, or both may intervene.References to a structure or a portion being formed “on” anotherstructure or portion without an intervening structure or portion aredescribed herein as being formed “directly on” the structure or portion.Similarly, it will be understood that when an element is referred to asbeing “connected”, “attached”, or “coupled” to another element, it canbe directly connected, attached, or coupled to the other element, orintervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element isreferred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached”, or“directly coupled” to another element, no intervening elements arepresent.

Furthermore, relative terms such as “on”, “above”, “upper”, “top”,“lower”, or “bottom” are used herein to describe one structure's orportion's relationship to another structure or portion as illustrated inthe figures. It will be understood that relative terms such as “on”,“above”, “upper”, “top”, “lower” or “bottom” are intended to encompassdifferent orientations of the package or component in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the package orcomponent in the figures is turned over, structure or portion describedas “above” other structures or portions would now be oriented “below”the other structures or portions. Likewise, if the package or componentin the figures are rotated along an axis, structure or portion describedas “above”, other structures or portions would be oriented “next to” or“left of” the other structures or portions.

Unless the absence of one or more elements is specifically recited, theterms “comprising”, including”, and “having” as used herein should beinterpreted as open-ended terms that do not preclude the presence of oneor more elements.

The present subject matter provides and/or includes snowblower deflectorcontrol devices, systems, and related methods of controlling a pivotalposition of a snowblower deflector for adjusting a trajectory of athrown show stream. In other words, the present subject matter relatesto and provides control devices, systems, and methods for pivoting adeflector about a horizontal axis to adjust a trajectory of a thrownsnow stream. In one aspect, the control devices and/or systems forpivoting the deflector can provide a lockable control adapted to lockthe deflector at a given angle during operation which can comprisemechanical and/or non-frictional locking.

FIG. 1 is one embodiment of a snowblower, generally designated SBcomprising a snowblower deflector control system, generally designated100. Snowblower SB can comprise any general or suitable design, and isnot limited in any aspect other than being configured to gather, remove,and/or throw the gathered or removed snow. Snowblower SB can be adaptedto incorporate suitable snow removal components for gathering snow fromthe ground and for throwing the gathered snow in a snow stream away fromsnowblower SB. The gathered snow stream can be thrown from a generallyupright or vertically extending discharge chute C. Chute C can berotatable about a longitudinal axis (not shown) for changing thedirection of the snow stream with respect to snowblower SB.

Deflector control system 100 can comprise one or more deflector controldevices including a control device, generally designated 200, a portionof which can be mechanically coupled or linked to a portion of adeflector, generally designated 300 via a linking member, generallydesignated 400. Control device 200 can be conveniently located on aportion of a machine handle MH proximate the user, thus providing theuser with quick and easy access for adjusting the trajectory of thrownsnow via moving a control lever or control member 202 of control device200. In one aspect, a portion of control device 200 can be disposedalong one or more external surfaces of machine handle MH. Control member202 can be moved within various discrete positions within a portion ofcontrol device 200 as illustrated in solid and phantom lines. The usercan select one of several discrete positions in which to move controlmember 202 depending on how “open” or “closed” deflector 300 should be(i.e., or at which angle deflector 300 should be pivoted with respect toa horizontal axis). Machine handle MH can comprise two “leg” portionsand a generally U-shaped portion disposed therebetween. A user ofsnowblower SB can stand behind snowblower SB and control, grip, and/ormaneuver the blower via the U-shaped portion of machine handle MH.

Deflector 300 can be hingedly mounted to a portion of snowblower chuteC. Deflector 300 can be adapted to pivot about a horizontal axis X(FIGS. 2A to 3B), for example, along or about the double sided arrowshown in FIG. 1. Pivoting of deflector 300 about horizontal axis X(FIGS. 2A to 3B) can adjust a trajectory of the snow stream being thrownfrom chute C. As the deflector pivots away from horizontal axis X (e.g.,FIG. 2A, such as when the deflector is raised) the trajectory of thrownsnow can be raised. Conversely, as the deflector pivots towardshorizontal axis X (e.g., FIG. 2B such as when the deflector is lowered)the trajectory of thrown snow can be correspondingly lowered. Thus, thetrajectory of the thrown snow stream can correspond to an angle α (FIGS.2A to 3B) at which deflector 300 is disposed with respect to horizontalaxis X.

Still referring to FIG. 1, linking member 400 can comprise at least afirst end coupled to a portion of control device 200 and a second endcoupled to a portion of deflector 300. Linking member 400 can provide amechanical linkage between control device 200 and deflector 300 allowingfor physical communication therebetween, such that one or more movementsby portions of control device 200 can initiate one or more movements ata portion of deflector 300. Namely, forward pivotal (e.g., clockwise) orrearward pivotal (e.g., counterclockwise) movements applied to controlmember 202 can induce or initiate downward or upward pivotal movement ofdeflector, respectively, which can decrease or increase angle α at whichdeflector 300 is offset from horizontal axis X (FIGS. 2A to 3B).

At least a portion of linking member 400 can be disposed within ahousing H of snowblower SB and can extend from housing H proximate abase of chute C. Linking member 400 can comprise a mechanical linkagefor initiating and/or activating pivoting of deflector 300. Linkingmember 400 can also comprise a flexible inner cable 402 disposed in anouter sheath 404. Outer sheath 404 can protect inner cable 402 from wearand tear and/or weathering. Outer sheath 404 can be fixedly disposedbetween portions of control device 200 and deflector 300, and can allowinner cable 402 to be incrementally adjusted, for example, via pullingback and forth inner cable 402 inside portions of outer sheath 404 toactivate a desired snowblower component, such as controlling pivoting ofdeflector 300. In one aspect, an amount of tension initially maintainedwithin inner cable 402 can be increased or decreased upon pivotingcontrol member 202. When the amount of tension within inner cable 402increases, deflector 300 can pivot downwardly (FIG. 2B). When the amountof tension within inner cable 402 decreases, deflector 300 can pivotupwardly (FIG. 2A).

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, deflector control system 100 canfurther comprise one or more devices such as previously mentioneddeflector 300. FIGS. 3A and 3B are further embodiments of deflectordevices or deflectors, generally designated 500. FIGS. 2A and 3Aillustrate deflectors 300 and 500 in a most “open” position such as whencontrol member 202 (FIG. 1) is in its most rearward position along lineR (FIGS. 1, 4A, 4B) with respect to control device 200, or disposedcloser in distance towards the U-shaped end portion of machine handle MH(FIG. 1). The most “open” position corresponds to a maximum angle αbeing disposed between deflector 300 and horizontal axis X. Angle α can,for example, range between approximately 0° (fully closed) andapproximately 45° or more. In some aspects, angle α can be more than45°, such as between approximately 45° and approximately 90°. Themaximum angle or a fully open deflector 300 can vary by shape ordeflector design. Opening or raising deflector 300 to a fullest extentby a maximum amount produces a highest trajectory of the thrown snowstream.

FIGS. 2B and 3B illustrate deflectors 300 and 500 in a most “closed”position such as when control member 202 (FIG. 1) is in is most forwardposition along line F (FIGS. 1, 4A, 4B) with respect to control device200, or disposed closer in distance towards housing H and chute C ofsnowblower SB. Closing or lowering deflector 300 by pivoting towardshorizontal axis X can lower the trajectory of the thrown snow stream. Insome aspects, the most “closed” position corresponds to when angle α isbetween approximately 0° and 5° with respect to horizontal axis X.

As FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate, deflector 300 can be disposed over aportion of chute C and hingedly mounted thereto. Deflector 300 can pivotabout hinge 302 as indicated by the double sided arrows, and canincrease or decrease angle α from horizontal axis X. The amount by whichdeflector 300 pivots can be controlled via control device 200 andlinking member 400 of system 100 (FIG. 1) as more fully described below.When deflector 300 is fully raised such as in FIG. 2A, the trajectory ofthe snow stream is maximized. When deflector 300 is fully closed, suchas in FIG. 2B, the trajectory of the snow stream is minimized and/or theflow of snow from chute C is prohibited or blocked by a portion ofdeflector 300.

Linking member 400 can comprise an inner actuation cable coupled toportions of each of control device 200 and deflector 300 (or 500, FIGS.3A and 3B). Thus, pivotal and/or fore/aft movements (e.g., along lines Rand F, FIG. 1) of control member 202 of control device 200 allow a userto increase tension or decrease tension associated with inner cable 402by a selective amount for inducing pivotal movement of deflector 300. AsFIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate, outer sheath 404 of linking member 400 canin one aspect be fixedly held at a first bracketed tab portion 304.Flexible inner cable 402 of linking member 400 can be movable withinfixed portion of outer sheath 404 and can at least partially extendtherefrom. Inner cable 402 can extend to a second bracketed tab portion306. Inner cable 402 can be fixedly held within a portion of secondbracketed tab portion 306. Outer sheath 404 can be fixedly held andremain stationary at first bracketed tab 304 allowing inner cable 402 toflex between portions of first and second bracketed tab portions 304 and306, respectively, for pivoting portions of deflector 300 about hinge302. Inner cable 402 can be spaced apart from a portion of hinge 302.

A biasing member 308 can also be fixedly held between portions of eachof first and second bracketed tabs 304 and 306. That is, portions ofinner cable 402 and biasing member 308 can each attach to portions ofsecond bracket 306. Biasing member 308 can be disposed on one side ofdeflector 300, and can be at least partially parallel with a portion ofinner cable 402. Portions of biasing member 308 can expand and/orretract or contract in response to relative movement of inner cable 402.In addition, biasing member 308 can maintain a level of tension withininner cable 402, which can be increased or decreased in response tomoving control member 202 fore/aft and/or clockwise/counterclockwise. Inone aspect, biasing member 308 can comprise a tension spring or elasticspring adapted to extend and retract for allowing portions of deflector300 to pivot about hinge 302 and about portions of chute C.

As biasing member 308 and inner cable 402 are attached to and/or betweenthe same tabs 304 and 306, biasing member 308 can maintain an amount orlevel of tension across inner cable 402 such that inner cable 402 is notsubstantially slack. Control member 202 can then be moved forwardlyalong line F (FIGS. 1, 4A, 4B) and/or pivoted clockwise about a pivotpoint P (FIG. 4B) to increase the amount of tension on cable 402 whichin turn can extend biasing member 308 and pivot deflector 300downwardly. In further aspects, control member 202 can be movedrearwardly along line R (FIGS. 1, 4A, and 4B) and/or pivotedcounterclockwise about pivot point P (FIG. 4B) to decrease or relax anamount of tension within cable 402 and pivot deflector 300 upwardly.

Biasing member 308 can allow deflector 300 to pivot about hinge 302 whentension is applied to inner cable 402 via moving control member 202(FIG. 1) in a first direction or when tension applied to inner cable 402relaxes via moving control member 202 in a second direction. That is, asinner cable 402 flexes or pulls in response to forward movement F(FIG. 1) of control member 202 (FIG. 1) in a first direction, innercable can expand, extend, or stretch biasing member 308 and causedeflector 300 to pivot downwardly (e.g., decrease angle α). Conversely,as tension is decreased in inner cable 402 in response to rearwardmovement R (FIG. 1) of control member 202 in a second direction, innercable 402 can retract biasing member 308 and cause deflector 300 topivot upwardly (e.g., increase angle α).

Still referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, movement of control member 202(FIG. 1) induces movement of flexible inner cable 402 of linking member400, which in turn induces movement of biasing member 308. For example,as control member 202 (FIG. 1) of control device 200 moves towards amost forward position (e.g., toward a first end 208′ of a guide plate208, FIGS. 4A and 4B) a tension becomes applied to inner cable 402 asinner cable 402 is pulled or flexed. This can cause biasing member 308to expand or extend from a retracted position. Deflector 300 can lower,angle α can decrease, and the trajectory of blown snow stream can belowered. In a similar respect, moving control member 202 rearwardly(e.g., towards a second end 208″ of guide plate 208, FIG. 4A) relievestension to flexible inner cable 402 thereby allowing biasing member 308to relax or retract from an extended position, angle α can be increased,and the trajectory of blown snow stream can be raised. As biasing member308 moves between extended and retracted positions, deflector 300 canpivot about hinge 302 and a pin or fastening member 310 slideablydisposed within portions of a guide slot, generally designated 312 allowdeflector 300 to easily open and close. Biasing member 308 can extendand retract as inner cable 402 is pulled or released, respectively,which allows guide slot of deflector 300 to slide about fastening member310. Angles α can be different when control member 202 is proximatefirst end 208′ of guide plate than when control member 202 is proximatesecond end 208″ of guide plate. For example, when control member 202 isproximate first end 208′, angle α is less than an angle α when controlmember 202 is proximate second end 208″. As described further below,deflector 300 can be locked in any desirable position with respect tochute C such that the trajectory of snow can be maintained when sodesired.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a second embodiment of a deflector device ordeflector, generally designated 500, of system 100. Deflector 500 can besimilar to deflector 300, but can differ in placement or location of abiasing member and/or inner cable 402. FIG. 3A illustrates deflector 500in a most “open” position such as when control member 202 (FIG. 1) is inits most rearward position along line R (FIGS. 1, 4A, 4B) with respectto control device 200, or disposed closer in distance towards theU-shaped end portion of machine handle MH (FIG. 1). The most “open”position can correspond to a maximum angle α being disposed betweendeflector 500 and horizontal axis H. Angle α can generally range fromapproximately 0° (fully closed) to approximately 45° or more. In someaspects, angle α can be more than 45°, such as between approximately 45°and approximately 90°. The maximum angle or a fully open deflector 500can vary by deflector shape and/or deflector design. Opening or raisingdeflector 500 to a fullest extent by a maximum amount produces thehighest trajectory of a thrown snow stream.

FIG. 3B illustrates deflector 500 in a most “closed” position such aswhen control member 202 (FIG. 1) is in is most forward position alongline F (FIGS. 1, 4A, 4B) with respect to control device 200, or disposedcloser in distance towards housing H and chute C of snowblower. Closingor lowering deflector 300 by pivoting towards horizontal axis X canlower the trajectory of the thrown snow stream. In some aspects, themost “closed” position corresponds to when angle α is betweenapproximately 0° and 5° with respect to horizontal axis X.

As FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate, deflector 500 can be disposed over aportion of chute C and hingedly mounted thereto. Deflector 500 can pivotabout hinge a 502 as indicated by the double sided arrows, and canincrease or decrease in angle α from horizontal axis X. The amount bywhich deflector 500 pivots can be controlled via control device 200 andlinking member 400 of system 100 (FIG. 1) and can be controlled bymoving control member 202 within discrete positions of a guide plate 208(FIGS. 4A/4B). When deflector 500 is fully raised such as in FIG. 3A,the trajectory of the snow stream is maximized. When deflector 500 isfully closed, such as in FIG. 3B, the trajectory of the snow stream isminimized and/or the flow of snow from chute C is prohibited or blockedvia a portion of deflector 500. Notably, guide plate 208 comprises alongitudinal body or longitudinal shaft that is longitudinally disposedwith respect to a portion of machine handle MH.

The pivoting and/or fore/aft movements (e.g., along lines R and F,FIG. 1) of control member 202 of control device 200 allow a user toselectively increase or decrease tension of cable 402 by various amountsand induce pivotal movement of deflector 500. As FIGS. 3A and 3Billustrate, outer sheath 404 of linking member 400 can be fixedly heldat a first bracketed tab portion 504. Flexible inner cable 402 oflinking member 400 can be movable within fixed portion of outer sheath404 and can at least partially extend therefrom. Inner cable 402 canextend to a second tab portion 506. Inner cable 402 can be fixedly heldwithin a portion of second tab portion 506. Outer sheath 404 can befixedly held and remain stationary at first tab 504 allowing inner cableto flex between portions of first and second tab portions 504 and 506,respectively, for pivoting portions of deflector 500 about hinge 502.Inner cable 402 can be spaced apart from hinge 502, and can be spacedapart from and fixedly held at a different portion of deflector 500 thanbiasing member 508.

Biasing member 508 can be fixedly held between portions of a firsthinged projection portion 510 and a hook portion 512. Projection portion510 can be disposed proximate a center of deflector 500. Portions ofbiasing member 508 can expand or extend and/or retract or contract inresponse to relative movement of inner cable 402. In one aspect, biasingmember 508 can comprise a tension spring adapted to extend and retractfor allowing portions of deflector 500 to pivot about hinge 502 andabout portions of chute C.

Biasing member 508 can also maintain an amount of tension across innercable 402 such that cable 402 does not become substantially slack.Control member 202 can then be moved forwardly along line F (FIGS. 1,4A, 4B) and/or pivoted clockwise about a pivot point P (FIG. 4B) toincrease the amount of tension on cable 402 which in turn can extendbiasing member 508 and pivot deflector 500 downwardly. In furtheraspects, control member 202 can be moved rearwardly along line R (FIGS.1, 4A, and 4B) and/or pivoted counterclockwise about pivot point P (FIG.4B) to decrease or relax the amount of tension and pivot deflector 500upwardly.

Biasing member 508 can allow deflector 500 to pivot about hinge 502 whentension is increased to inner cable 402 via moving control member 202(FIG. 1) in a first direction or when tension is decreased to innercable 402 via moving control member 202 in a second, opposite direction.That is, as inner cable 402 flexes or pulls in response to forwardmovement F (FIG. 1) of control member 202 (FIG. 1) in a first direction,inner cable can expand, extend, or stretch biasing member 508 and causedeflector 500 to pivot downwardly (e.g., decrease angle α). Conversely,as tension is released from inner cable 402 in response to rearwardmovement R (FIG. 1) of control member 202 in a second direction, innercable 402 can retract biasing member 508 and cause deflector 500 topivot upwardly (e.g., increase angle α).

Still referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, movement of control member 202(FIG. 1) induces movement of flexible inner cable 402 of linking member400, which in turn induces movement of biasing member 508 of deflector500. For example, as control member 202 (FIG. 1) of control device 200moves towards a most forward position (e.g., toward a first end 208′ ofa guide plate 208, FIGS. 4A and 4B) tension to inner cable 402 increasesas inner cable 402 becomes pulled. This can cause biasing member 508 toextend and/or assume an extended position. Deflector 500 can lower,angle α can decrease, and the trajectory of blown snow stream can belowered. In a similar manner, moving control member 202 rearwardly(e.g., towards a second end 208″ of guide plate 208, FIG. 4A) decreasestension to flexible inner cable 402 thereby allowing biasing member 508to relax or retract from the extended position and increase angle αbetween deflector 500 and horizontal axis X.

As biasing member 500 moves between extended and retracted positions,deflector 500 can pivot about hinge 502. Deflector 500 can be locked inany desirable position with respect to chute C such that the trajectoryof snow can be maintained when so desired. Regardless of the specificconfiguration, biasing members 308 and 508 can be configured to exert aforce that biases deflectors 300 and 500, respectively, downwardly overportions of chute C, thereby restricting the ability of deflectors 300and 500 to pivot about horizontal axis X without movement of controlmember 202 and/or inner cable 402.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective side views illustrating various aspectsand features of control device 200. Referring to FIG. 4A, control device200 can comprise a movable control member 202. Control member 202 cancomprise a grip portion 204 and a guide portion 206. Guide portion 206can comprise a projection or tab adapted to move within and/or engageportions of guide plate 208. Guide portion 206 can be longitudinallydisposed along a longitudinal body portion of control member 202. Guideportion 206 can comprise a projection or tab configured to engage one ormore slots of guide plate 208.

Guide plate 208 can comprise a first end 208′ and a second end 208″.First end 208′ can be disposed closer to housing H of snowblower SB.Second end 208″ can be disposed closer to U-shaped portion of machinehandle MH, and closer to the user. Moving control member 202 towardsfirst end 208′ can correspond to forward movement along line F withrespect to U-shaped portion of machine handle MH (FIG. 1) and with withrespect to guide plate 208. Moving control member 202 towards second end208″ can correspond to rearward movement along line R, back towardsU-shaped portion of machine handle MH (FIG. 1) and/or rearward withinguide plate 208.

Guide plate 208 can comprise a contoured profile 210 adapted to bepositioned at least partially around an external surface of machinehandle MH. Guide plate 208 can be adapted to receive a portion ofcontrol member 202. In one aspect, guide plate 208 can comprise aplurality of slots generally designated 212 or gates disposed betweenfirst end 208′ and second end 208″. The plurality of slots 212 cancomprise a plurality of gates disposed at regularly spaced intervalsformed between a plurality of regularly spaced and integrally formedretention portions 214 or toothed portions of guide plate 208. Notably,moving control member 202 to adjacent gates or slots 212 between firstend 208′ towards second end 208″ can decrease tension on cable 402 (FIG.2A). This can incrementally retract biasing member 308 (FIG. 2A) andincrease angle α (FIG. 2A). Thus, deflector 300 can be incrementallyraised upward (e.g., pivot upwardly) to increase the trajectory of thethrown snow.

Conversely, moving control member 202 between gates or slots 212 fromsecond end 208″ towards first end 208′ can pull or increase tensionapplied to inner cable 402 (FIG. 2B) which in turn can extend biasingmember 308. Thus, moving control member 202 between adjacent gates orslots 12 from second end 208″ to first end 208′ (e.g., moving controlmember 202 forward) can incrementally decrease angle α between a portionof deflector 300 and a horizontal axis X (FIG. 2A), and canincrementally lower deflector 300 (e.g., pivot downwardly) to decreasethe trajectory of the thrown snow. Notably, control member 202 can bemoved to non-adjacent gates or slots 212 between first and second ends208′ and 208″, respectively. Moving control member 202 can responsivelyincrease or decrease tension applied to portions of inner cable 402(FIGS. 2A and 2B). This, in turn, can move biasing member 308 betweenextended and retracted positions thereby pivoting deflector 300.Notably, control member 202 can be conveniently located and can beoperable without needing power from an electric motor.

Guide portion 206 of control member 202 can comprise a protrusion and/orprotruding portion or flange adapted to engage at least one slot 212 ofthe plurality of slots 212. That is, guide portion 206 of control member202 can be adapted or configured to substantially fit within a portionof at least one slot 212 and become fixedly held adjacent to and/orbetween at least one retention portion of the plurality of retentionportions 214. Guide portion 206 can be fixedly held within at least oneslot 212, which can lock inner cable 402 in a fixed position therebylocking the angle α at which deflector is pivoted with respect todischarge chute C and/or horizontal axis X.

Guide plate 208 comprising the plurality of retention portions 214 andslots 212 or gates between retention portions 214 can advantageously bedisposed outside and/or external from machine handle MH. This can beadvantageous, as it provides a novel visual aspect of deflector control.That is, the user can actively select and choose discrete increments bywhich deflector 300 can be pivotably adjusted. This aspect can furtherallow a user to completely open or close deflector 300 by moving controlmember 202 between extreme ends of guide plate 208 without having tomove between each incremental position. A user can visually choose anamount by which to pivot deflector 300 by visually externally disposedgates or slots of control device 200. By locking control member 202between a selected one of slots 212 or retention portions 214, deflectorcontrol system 100 can exert and maintain a uniform force upon biasingmember 308 (FIGS. 2A and 2B) that urges and/or locks deflector 300 in adesired position.

The number and/or spacing of slots 212 can be selected to correspond toa number of desired pivotal positions for snowblower deflector 300(FIGS. 2A and 2B) and a desired angular displacement between adjacentpositions. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, for example, guide plate208 can define seven slots 212 so that control member 202 can movebetween seven discrete positions. Guide plate 208 can be provided withmore or less than seven slots 212 as those having skill in the art willrecognize that any number of slots 212 can be provided depending on thedesired number of pivotal positions for deflector 300 (e.g., betweenapproximately 0° and 90°). Moreover, each retention portion 214 disposedbetween adjacent slots 212 can comprise a chamfered edge or profilewhich can provide for easier transition between slots 212. The spacingbetween adjacent retention portions 214 can be designed to establishsubstantially similar angular increments. The width of each retentionportion 214 can provide for regular, incremental angular displacementalong angle α from a completely open to a completely closed position ofdeflector 300 (FIGS. 2A and 2B).

As FIG. 4A further illustrates, guide plate 208 can be fixedly held to aportion of machine handle MH via one or more attachment members orattachment devices. For example, attachment members can comprise a firstbolt 218 and a first nut 228 assembly. Guide plate 208 can also beconnected to a portion of control member 202 via at least one otherattachment member, for example, a second bolt 220 and a second nut 222assembly. First and second bolts 218 and 220 can comprise any componentand any other type of attachment member is also contemplated herein, asthose having skill in the art will recognize that many different typesof attachment members can be used to physically couple or attach bodiesof material, including, for example, pins, nails, screws, tabs, clips,hooks, rivets, adhesive material, welding, soldering, etc. One or morefastening members 242 can also be provided for attaching one or moreportions of guide plate 208 to one or more portions of a guide platehousing 216 as described further below with respect to FIG. 5.

Still referring to FIG. 4A, to control upward and/or downward motion ofdeflector 300 (FIGS. 2A and 2B), control member 202 can be pushedoutwardly (e.g., outward laterally), towards an outside of snowblower SBin a first direction D1. This will release guide portion 206 of controlmember 202 from a respective slot 212 and/or from between respectiveretention portions 214 of guide plate 208. Control lever 202 can then bemoved forward or rearward (e.g., along lines F or R) and can pivotclockwise or counterclockwise about a pivot point P (FIG. 4B). Controlmember 202 can be adjusted between one or more discrete positions whichpivot or displace control member 300 (FIG. 2A) by a discrete angle(s) oramount(s) by increasing or decreasing an amount of tension applied toinner cable 402.

FIG. 4B is an opposing view of control device 200 in FIG. 4A, withoutguide plate housing 216 (FIGS. 4A and 5). As FIG. 4B illustrates, guideplate 208 can physically couple or attach to control lever 202 via anattachment member such as a threaded bolt 220 and nut 222 assembly. Asthe double sided arrow indicates, nut and bolt 220 and 222,respectively, can comprise a pivot point P about which control member202 can pivot when moved forward and rearward. The forward movement ofcontrol member 202 along line F can increase an amount of tension oninner cable 402 by pulling inner cable 402 in a third direction D3. Thisincreased tension can pivot or move deflector 300 downward (FIG. 2B).The rearward movement of control member 202 along line R can decreaseand/or relieve or release an amount of tension on inner cable 402 bymoving inner cable 402 in a fourth direction D4. Third and fourthdirections D3 and D4 can be orthogonal to each of first and seconddirections D1 and D2 which release control member 202 from a respectivegate or slot 212. This reduced tension can relax or retract biasingmember 308 and raise deflector 300 (FIG. 2A). Notably, control member202 can move generally in a first direction along lines R or F and in asecond direction comprised of either and/or both directions D1 and/orD2, wherein the foreword/rearward movement along lines R or F isorthogonal to directions D1 and D2.

Accordingly, forward movement of control member 202 along line F pivotsa portion of control member 202 clockwise about pivot point P and canincrease an amount of tension on inner cable 402 which in turn can lowerdeflector 300 (FIG. 2B). Conversely, the rearward movement of controlmember 202 along line R can pivot a portion of control member 202counterclockwise about pivot point P and can relieve an amount oftension on inner cable 402 and raise deflector 300 (FIG. 2A).

As FIG. 4B further illustrates, linking member 400 can comprise a boot410 or boot assembly adapted to receive portions of inner cable 402 andouter sheath 404. A portion of boot 410 can be retained within a portionof guide plate 208. An end portion 406 of inner cable 402 can be coupledto a lower portion of control member 202 such that the rearward,forward, and pivoting motions associated with control member 202 canincrease or decrease an amount of tension upon inner cable 402 to adjusta position or angle α at which deflector 300 (FIGS. 2A, 2B) ismaintained.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a snowblower deflector controldevice 200 and linking member 400. Control device 200 can comprise acontrol member 202 having a grip portion 204. Control member 202 canfurther comprise a guide portion 206 or tab longitudinally disposedalong a longitudinal body of control member 202. Guide portion 206 ortab can selectively engage retention portions 214 of guide plate 208. Aplurality of retention portions 214 can be disposed between a first end208′ and a second end 208″ of guide plate forming a plurality of slots212 between which guide portion 206 of control member 202 can be fixedlyheld to lock deflector 300 (FIGS. 2A, 2B) at a certain angle α (FIGS.2A, 2B) or position with respect to a horizontal axis. Retentionportions 214 can be at least partially inclined or tapered to facilitateeasier transition of control member 202 from one slot 212 to anotheradjacent and/or non-adjacent slot 212.

As described earlier, control member 202 can be moved forward along lineF and/or rearward along line R to lower or raise deflector 300 (FIGS.2A, 2B). Control member 202 can be moved between adjacent slots 212 ornon-adjacent slots 212. When control member 202 is pivoted forward alongline F to a selective one of the plurality of slots 212, a portion ofcontrol member 202 can pivot or rotate clockwise about pivot point P(FIG. 4B) and can increase an amount of tension applied to inner cable402 of linking member 400. This can pivot deflector 300 (FIGS. 2A, 2B)downward by a selective amount. Moving control member rearward alongline R can pivot a portion of control member 202 counterclockwise abouta pivot point P (FIG. 4B) and decrease an amount of tension applied toinner cable 402 of linking member 400. This can pivot deflector 300(FIGS. 2A, 2B) upward by a selective amount.

Control device 200 can comprise a guide plate 208 and a guide platehousing 216. Guide plate 208 can be disposed about a portion of amachine handle MH and can be visible to a user, such that the user canselect an amount by which to pivotably open or close the deflector.Guide plate 208 can be affixed to a portion of machine handle MH via afirst bolt 218 and nut 228. Any other attachment member is contemplated.Guide plate 208 can be affixed to guide plate housing 216 viapositioning one or more fastening devices 242 through one or moreopenings or holes 244 of guide plate 208 and securing fastening devices242 into openings 246 of guide plate housing 216. Fastening devices 242can comprise a screw or any other suitable component for physicallyfastening or attaching bodies of material, such as a pin, nail, bolt,rivet, tape, adhesive, clip, hook, etc.

A lower or end portion of control member 202 can comprise a firstopening or aperture 226 by which a portion of control member 202 can becoupled to a portion of guide plate 208. In one aspect, a bolt 220 and anut 222 can be secured through first aperture 226 of control member 202and one or more holes 244 of guide plate 208. Any other type ofattachment member other than a bolt 220 and nut 222 is contemplated.Notably, a portion of control member 202 can rotate or pivot about bolt220 and nut 222, such that together, bolt 220 and nut 222 form a pivotpoint P (FIG. 4B).

Control member 202 can also comprise a second opening or aperture 240 bywhich a portion of control member 202 can be coupled to an end portionor first end 406 of inner cable 402. First end 406 can comprise a firstportion 406A, a second portion 406B, and a third portion 406C which canbe threaded and/or disposed about one or more portions of control member202. For example, second portion 406B of end portion 406 can be threadedthrough second aperture 240 of control member 202 such that first andthird portions 406A and 406C can be disposed about opposing outersurfaces of control member 202. Inner cable 402 can be disposed within aportion of boot 410 and disposed in an outer sheath 404 retained by boot410. Boot 410 can be retained within a portion of guide plate 208.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of control device 200 along lines 6-6 of FIG.4A. For illustration purposes, guide plate housing 216 is not shown. AsFIG. 6 illustrates, guide plate 208 can be fixedly attached to machinehandle MH via an attachment member, such as a first nut 228 and firstbolt 218 assembly. Guide plate 208 can further be attached to a portionof control member 202 via a second nut 222 and second bolt 220 assembly.Control member 202 may not be affixed and/or coupled to machine handleMH. Two washers 224 can optionally be disposed between portions ofcontrol member 202 and bolt 220 such that control member 202 can move inand out of slots 212 (FIG. 5) via moving between first direction D1 andsecond direction D2. Moving between first and second directions D1 andD2 can move guide portion 206 or tab between one or more retentionportions 214 (FIG. 5) of guide plate 208.

Control member 202 can also be coupled to a portion of inner cable 402.For example, an end portion 406 of flexible inner cable 402 can bedisposed about one or more edges or surfaces of control member 202. Forexample, a lower portion of control member 202 can be disposed between afirst portion 406A and a second portion 406C of end portion 406 of innercable 402.

This written description uses examples to disclose the subject matter,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to make and use the subject matter herein. The patentable scope ofthe subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include otherexamples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples areintended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structuralelements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, orif they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantialdifferences from the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A snowblower deflector control device comprising:a control member comprising a longitudinal shaft and a projectiondisposed along the shaft; and a guide plate adapted to receive a portionof the control member, wherein the guide plate comprises a plurality ofgates disposed at spaced intervals from a first end to a second end, andwherein the projection of the control member is lockable within at leastone gate of the plurality of gates.
 2. The device of claim 1, whereinthe guide plate is disposed along a portion of a machine handle.
 3. Thedevice of claim 2, wherein the guide plate is disposed along an outersurface of the machine handle.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein theplurality of gates are disposed at regularly spaced intervals from thefirst end to the second end.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein a portionof the control member is adapted to move clockwise and counterclockwiseabout a pivot point for raising and lowering a deflector.
 6. The deviceof claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of gates comprises a chamferededge.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein a linking member is attached toa portion of the guide plate.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein aflexible cable is attached to a portion of the control member.
 9. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the control member is adapted to move in atleast a first direction and at least a second direction when movingbetween a first gate and a second gate of the plurality of gates, andwherein the first direction is orthogonal to the second direction. 10.The device of claim 1, wherein the control member comprises a gripportion.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the guide plate comprises acontoured inner profile adapted to extend about an outer surface of amachine handle of a snowblower.
 12. A snowblower deflector controlsystem comprising: a control member; a guide plate adapted to receive aportion of the control member, wherein the guide plate comprises aplurality of gates disposed at regularly spaced intervals from a firstend to a second end; a deflector hingedly mounted on a discharge chute;and a linking member coupling a portion of the control member to aportion of the deflector; wherein, when the control member is proximatethe first end of the guide plate, the deflector is at a first angle withrespect to a horizontal axis, and wherein, when the control member isproximate the second end of the guide plate, the deflector is at asecond angle with respect to the horizontal axis, and wherein the firstangle is different than the second angle.
 13. The system of claim 12,wherein the first angle is smaller than the second angle with respect tothe horizontal axis.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the first angleis larger than the second angle with respect to the horizontal axis. 15.The system of claim 12, wherein the control member comprises alongitudinal shaft and a grip portion attached to one end of thelongitudinal shaft.
 16. The system of claim 12, wherein the controlmember comprises a projection configured to engage at least one gate ofthe plurality of gates.
 17. The system of claim 12, wherein each of theregularly spaced intervals corresponds to an angular displacement of thedeflector with respect to the horizontal axis.
 18. The system of claim12, wherein the guide plate is disposed along a portion of a machinehandle of a snowblower.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the guideplate is disposed along an outer surface of the machine handle.
 20. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein the linking member comprises a flexibleinner cable disposed in an outer sheath.
 21. The system of claim 12,wherein the deflector comprises a biasing member.
 22. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the deflector further comprises a curved guide slot.23. The system of claim 12, wherein the control member is adapted topivot clockwise and counterclockwise about a pivot point for raising andlowering the deflector.
 24. A method of controlling a deflector of asnowblower via a deflector control system, the method comprising:providing a control member and a guide plate adapted to receive aportion of the control member, wherein the guide plate comprises aplurality of gates disposed at spaced intervals from a first end to asecond end; providing a deflector hingedly mounted on a discharge chute;attaching a linking member to a portion of the control member to aportion of a deflector; and moving the control member between the firstend and the second end of the guide plate to raise and lower thedeflector.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein moving the control memberbetween the first end and the second end of the guide plate comprisesmoving the control member in a first direction to release the controlmember from a first gate of the plurality of gates and moving thecontrol member in a second direction to engage a second gate of theplurality of gates.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein moving thecontrol member between the first end and the second end of the guideplate further comprises pivoting the control member in a direction thatis orthogonal to the first and second directions.
 27. The method ofclaim 24, wherein the guide plate is disposed along a portion of amachine handle of a snowblower.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein theguide plate is disposed along an outer surface of the machine handle.29. The method of claim 24, wherein moving the control member betweenthe first end and the second end of the guide plate increases ordecreases tension applied to the linking member.
 30. The method of claim24, wherein providing a linking member comprises providing a flexiblecable within a portion of a fixed outer sheath.
 31. The method of claim24, wherein a pin of the deflector pivots via sliding within a portionof a guide slot.
 32. The method of claim 24, comprising moving thecontrol member between at regularly spaced intervals from the first endto the second end.